The terror attack in and around Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya on July 7, 2013, was targeted at international Buddhist touris

The terror attack in and around Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya on July 7, 2013, was targeted at international Buddhist tourists to avenge the killings of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar, according to arrested SIMI and Indian Mujahideen suspect Mohammed Umair Siddiqui.

After being grilled by various agencies, a detailed interrogation report of Siddiqui's revelations has been prepared. Revelations Siddiqui was arrested by the Chhattisgarh Police for his suspected role in the Bodh Gaya and October 27, 2013 Patna blasts.

The interrogation report states that another absconding suspect and Siddiqui's close aide, Haider Ali, approached Siddiqui in May 2013-about two months before the blasts in Bodh Gaya-and told him about the atrocities against Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar.

"I suggested attacking Bodh Gaya because it was an international centre," the interrogation report quotes Siddiqui. "I told Haider that targeting two or three persons will not send a message. We never wanted to target the common public.

Haider suggested why not target foreigners visiting Bodh Gaya," the report said. The report further states that the terror masterminds decided blasts take place early in the morning to avoid public casualties. A large number of foreign monks take part in the early morning prayers.

In June, Haider met Siddiqui in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, and told him that all the material required for the bomb blasts had been purchased and a "group of committed boys" were ready for the job. After the blasts in Bodh Gaya, Haider and Siddiqui met again in August and "Haider told me Modi is to be targeted," the report stated. "He (Haider) said Modi's name is being declared as BJP's prime ministerial candidate," the interrogation report added.

The same module was planning a strike on a Gaya-Delhi train as well. The group had gathered information on the train and were even conducting a recce on the train but the idea could not materialise.

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